Sunshade device

ABSTRACT

A sunshade device is transformable from a folded orientation into an unfolded, fully erected orientation supported on a surface. The sunshade device has a base panel having opposite first edges and supported on the surface when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation, and a pair of side wall panels. Each of the side wall panels has a first edge respectively connected to one of the first edges of the base panel along a connecting line disposed generally horizontal to the surface when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation. The side wall panels extend generally upright and are disposed in spaced-apart relation from each other when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation. A top panel has opposite edges respectively connected with second edges of the side wall panels opposite the first edges thereof for limiting a separation distance of the second edges of the side wall panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention is concerned with sunshades which are typically used toprotect holidaymakers at sunny resorts or to protect picnickers andfishermen from excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation insunlight and also from elements such as wind and rain. Conventionalsunshades are parasols in the form of a canopy which is stretched over acollapsible framework of pole and spokes in the manner of an umbrella.The bottom of the pole may be stuck into the ground or located in asocket in a heavy base to hold the parasol erect.

While the foregoing conventional parasols are effective when the sun isoverhead, they provide poor protection in the early morning or lateafternoon when the sun is low in the sky but still intense. This problemcannot be alleviated by inclining the pole as the weight of the canopywould tend to cause damage. In some cases the upper part of the pole andthe canopy can tilt relatively to the lower part of the pole andalthough this may inhibit collapse of the parasol, inadequate protectionis generally provided when the sun is low in the sky. In any case,parasol canopies are usually circular and when the sun is overhead theshade afforded thereby is also circular, which is not ideal to shieldone or more reclining elongate persons unless the canopy is very large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,705 discloses, in FIG. 9, a sunshade devicecomprising a series of first, second and third wall panels, which areconnected together edge to edge in series with the remote edges of thefirst and third wall panels being connected by a fourth wall panel, thefirst and third wall panels being arranged, when the device is erected,to extend upwards as side wall panels and at least the first, second andthird wall panels providing a plurality of twist-fold panels (as hereindefined) which are of sufficiently similar size and shape that whenfolded down over one another they can be twist-folded together; and, inaccordance with the present invention, such a device is characterised inthat the side wall panels extend upwards from opposite edges of a basewall panel formed by the second wall panel and are arranged to be heldsubstantially upright by at least one guy line attached to each of theside wall panels; the fourth wall panel forms a top wall panel whichlimits the separation of the upper edges of the side wall panels; and atleast a front of the device bounded by edges of the four wall panels isopen.

A person may sit or lie within the device while protected from excessiveradiation or to some extent from the wind. If the device is made fromwaterproof material it may also be used to provide protection againstrain, eg for use as a fishing shelter, although in that case it may needto have larger dimensions at the open front than when acting only as asunshade, to allow for line casting.

The angle of the side wall panels to the vertical when the device iserected will be small, preferably within 15°, the actual angle beingdetermined by the widths of the top and base wall panels and the heightof the side wall panels. The substantially vertical side walls and thegenerally flat top wall panel gives the device a feeling of much greaterinternal roominess and airiness than do other differently constructedtent-like devices on the market.

In the present context a twist-fold panel is defined as being formed bya flexible sheet which is normally held taut in a spread position by aloop of spring wire which extends around the periphery of the sheet, thepanel being collapsible by grasping the peripheral wire at spacedpositions and twisting the wire in the same direction out of the planeof the loop, whereupon the wire folds into three smaller overlapping,almost coplanar loops. Subsequently, slight twisting of the smalleroverlapping loops out of the overlapping configuration causes the panelto spring open to its spread position.

Although it could be round, the cross-section of the spring wire usuallyhas a major dimension and a minor dimension, with the major dimensionsubstantially perpendicular to the plane of the panel when in the spreadposition. The spring wire is preferably flat, but may have an oval orany other suitable cross-section. The wire may be made of a resilientplastic material but will more usually be made of metal.

When the sunshade device is collapsed, the twist-fold panels are foldeddown overlapping one another, whereupon, provided that the loops of wirehave a sufficiently similar size, shape and relative disposition, thepanels can be collapsed together by grasping and twisting the overlyingwire loops simultaneously. The advantage of the construction is that,with the twist-fold panels collapsed, the whole device may be carried ina small flat bag, but readily erected simply by starting to untwist thesmaller overlapping wire loops.

The top wall panel may also be a twist-fold panel for simultaneouscollapse with the other panels but, equally, it could be a simple sheetof fabric.

In the simplest and most likely commercially successful construction,the side and the base wall panels provide respective ones of a series ofthree of the twist-fold panels.

Although the sizes and the shapes of the twist-fold panels provided bythe side and base wall panels need not be exactly the same, they must besufficiently similar to enable the simultaneous twist-folding. However,this provides a certain restriction in that in order to make the devicewide enough to accommodate persons comfortably and with adequateventilation, when the width of the base wall panel corresponds to thewidth of a twist-fold panel, the width of the base wall panel has to bereflected in the height of the side wall panels, and this may make thedevice undesirably high and hence subject to excessive wind pressure andexcessively large when folded. This disadvantage can be overcome byforming the base wall panel as two or more similar twist-fold panels,connected together side by side and each having a size and shapesufficiently similar to one another and to the other twist-fold panelsthat the device may be collapsed first by folding the side twist-foldpanels down over the base twist-fold panels, and then folding the basetwist-fold panels over one another, prior to twist-folding all thepanels simultaneously.

The rear end of the device could be open, partly closed or closed by arear wall panel of flexible fabric and any of the side and rear wallpanels may be perforate, e.g. made wholly or partly from netting orhaving openings for ventilation and to provide an open aspect. When foruse, e.g. as a fishing shelter, fewer openings will be needed and thosewhich are may be provided with closure flaps held in place by e.g.velcro or sliding clasp fasteners. A rear wall panel may be longer thanthe height of the side wall panels at the rear and not, or only partly,connected to the rear edges thereof so as to be capable of acting as arearwardly and downwardly extending awning, eg to be pegged to theground behind the rear edge of the base wall panel and provide, belowits side edges, side openings for ventilation and openness which areopen down to the level of the base wall panel. This awning will provideextra sun protection and storage area. Irrespective of the awning, ifthe rear wall panel does not extend down to the ground, any sand can betipped off the base wall panel, by lifting the front of the panel. Toavoid exposure to the sun through a perforate portion in a side wallpanel, as the angle of the sun changes, and without having to move thedevice on the ground, the side wall panel may additionally be providedwith an imperforate screen which is deployable over the perforateportion.

The base wall panel, effectively acts as a ground sheet and may be madeof a waterproof material, such as a plastics fabric. It may also beprovided with an integral additional ground sheet or sheets extendingforwardly and/or rearwardly.

In order to prevent the side panels from falling over when the device iserect, at least one of the guy lines may be connected to the upper partof each side wall panel, to extend outwards and downwards to a peg to besecured in the ground. In addition at least one of the guy lines may beconnected to a mid portion of each side wall panel, also to extendoutwards and downwards to a peg to be secured in the ground. This latterguy is particularly useful in preventing a side wall panel from bucklinginwards when subjected to direct wind pressure. Additional peg or otherground fixings may be provided around the base of the device.

The base wall panel could provide two of the twist-fold panels connectedtogether one in front of the other, the forward one of these twotwist-fold panels providing the additional ground sheet. This ensuresthat the additional ground sheet is held taut without the need forground pegs.

The peripheral loops of spring wire provided in the twist-fold panels ofthe side wall panels will preferably be more robust than that or thosein the base wall panel, and this may also be so in the top wall panelwhen that also provides a twist-fold panel. This is because the base andin some cases top wall panels are required only for spacing purposes andthe actual strength to hold the device erect is provided by the wireloops of the side wall panels. Using less robust wire in the base wallpanel and, when applicable, the top wall panel reduces the weight of thedevice and facilitates the twist-folding.

A convenient shape is created for the device if the side and base wallpanels are generally trapezoidal with increasing width from rear tofront. Thus the height and width of the interior space will increaseforwardly.

The front of the top wall panel may have a forwardly projecting peak,preferably with a convexly curved front peripheral edge. This isparticularly important when the side wall panels are substantiallytrapezoidal as the top wall panel will be backwardly tilted and, in theabsence of the peak, the base wall panel (disregarding any frontadditional ground sheet) would extend too far forward of the front edgeof the top wall panel and thereby deprive the user of necessary overheadprotection.

The peak gives greater protection from solar radiation to people in oraround the sunshade and/or enables the other panels to be smaller ifdesired whilst still providing good protection from solar radiation fromabove, giving a more open aspect from the side and saving in materialand weight.

The peak may be formed as an integral part of a twist-fold provided bythe top wall panel, to keep the material of the peak taut when in thespread position. The front of the top wall panel, at which the peakprojects, is preferably the widest part of the top wall panel. Eventhough the twist-fold panel provided with the peak may be larger thanthe other twist-fold panels by virtue of the peak, it is surprisinglyfound that the sunshade device can still be twist-folded into smalleroverlapping loops for storage or carriage, although these overlappingloops may not overlie each other fully.

Alternatively the top wall panel, may have a peak provided by a furtherpanel associated therewith, the further panel being deployable toproject beyond the front of the top wall panel, and when not deployed,the top wall panel and further panel being collapsible with the otherpanels of the sunshade device. The further panel, which may also be atwist-fold panel, may be connected to the top wall panel through a pivotabout which the further panel is arranged to swivel to be positioned ineither the deployed or a retracted position. Alternatively the furtherpanel may be hinged along one edge to the top wall panel to enable it tobe swung forwards and backwards between the deployed and retractedpositions, or in yet another example arranged to slide out from, forexample, a pocket on the top wall panel to contain the further panel; orpockets in the top wall panel to contain the ends of a wire or wiresextending from the sides of the further panel. When the further panel isdeployed to project beyond the front of the top wall panel it ispreferably secured in this position by means of, for example, clips,clamps, press studs, laces or fastening straps with velcro at leastpartially along their length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some examples of sunshade devices constructed in accordance with thepresent invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment the sunshade devicein an erected condition;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the sunshade device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sunshade device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section taken on the line IV--IV in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the dimensions of the twist-fold panels ofthe sunshade device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows the sunshade device according to the first embodiment in atwist-folded condition;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of a sunshade device according to a secondembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 but showing the dimensionsof the twist-fold panels of a sunshade device according to a thirdembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sunshade device according to a fourthembodiment; and

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the dimensions of the twist-fold panels ofthe sunshade device according to the fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As particularly shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the sunshade device (hereinafterreferred to as "device") is composed of a base wall panel 1, two sidewall panels 2, and a top wall panel 3, all of which are twist-foldpanels having a peripheral seam 4 containing a loop of springy wire 5 ofelongate cross-section. The wall panels are made essentially of a tightwoven lightweight nylon fabric which is held substantially taut by theperipheral spring wire when the panels are unfolded. The base wall panel1 is made of a material which is, or is treated to make it, waterproofand the outer faces of the top and optionally also the side wall panels,which may also be waterproof, are provided with a silvery coating toprovide reflection of solar radiation. The fabric at the adjacent edgesof adjacent wall panels are either continuous or sewn together toprovide hinges about which the adjacent panels can rotate relatively toone another. Although this is necessary for folding the device down fortransportation, some support is required to hold the device erect. Thisis provided in the illustrated examples by two guy lines 6, of thincord, which are attached at respective fixing tab 7 at the edges ofupper parts of respective ones of the side wall panels 2, and may beheld taut by ground pegs 8. In addition there is shown in dotted linesin FIG. 2 the provision of an additional fixing tab 7' below and betweenthe fixings 7 for a further guy line 6'. Conveniently, a single cord isreeved from one fixing tab 7, through an aperture in the peg 8, up tothe tab 7' and through an aperture therein, back to and through theaperture in the peg 8 and hence to the other fixing tab 7. In this wayall the guy lines can easily be pulled taut simultaneously by pulling onthe peg. In this erect position the width of the top wall panel 3determines the separation of the upper parts of the side wall panels 2and provided that the widths of the base and top wall panels 1 and 3 aresubstantially the same, the side wall panels 2 will be substantiallyupright.

In order to increase the size of the dry and clean area on which personsusing the device may rest, there is hinged in similar fashion to thefront edge of the base wall panel 1 a twist-fold additional ground sheetpanel 9 which, because of its peripheral wire loop, which can be quitethin, tends to remain with its fabric panel stretched taut without theneed for pegs. While the rest of the device is erected, the panel 9 canbe swung up through 90°, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2, and held thereby ribbons 10, which are fixed to the side wall panels and can be passedthrough perforated tabs 11 at the edge of the panel 9 and tied. Theinterior of the device then gives a degree of privacy, e.g. for changingto or from beach clothes. An additional ground sheet panel 12 isattached to the rear edge of the base wall panel 1 and may be deployedprojecting rearwardly on the ground beneath an extension flap 13 formingan awning. This flap is attached to the rear edge of the top wall panel3, and is deployed extending downwardly and rearwardly where, at eachside, it is held, together with the ground sheet 12, as taut asnecessary by ground pegs 14 and a cord 15. The cord 15 is attached atone end to a corner of the ground sheet 12 and at the other end to acorner of the flap 13 and passes freely through a hole in the peg 14.The gap between the rear and side edges of the ground sheet 12 and ofthe flap 13 allows for ventilation. For extra protection, both theground sheet 12 and awning 13 have an increasing width in the rearwarddirection.

The base and side wall panels 1 and 2 are generally trapezoidal in shapeand are of the same size and shape with the dimensions and radii ofcurvature as shown in FIG. 5 down to the line 12. Consequently theinternal width and height of the device increases from the rear to thefront of the erect device, as is apparent from FIGS. 1 to 3. The topwall panel 3 also has the same size and dimensions as the wall panels 1and 2, except for a forwardly projecting curved peak 16 from which therehangs a pelmet 17. This peak extends the top wall panel forwardly by anadditional 30 cms as shown in FIG. 5 down to the line 3.

Perforated tabs 18, for receiving ground pegs, may also be provided atthe bottom edges of the side wall panels for extra security againstdisplacement by the wind.

A triangular netting window 19 is provided at the front bottom cornersof each side wall panel 2, to allow for visibility and ventilation.However, if the breeze is excessive or if the sun has moved round sothat it can shine through the netting undesirably, a provision is madeto close these windows by providing within each side wall panel a screenin the form of a flap 20 of substantially impermeable material and ofsubstantially the same size as the netting window. The flap is arrangedeither to be held folded backwards and upwards inside the respectiveside wall panel and to be held there by a velcro or other fastening 21,or to be folded down to cover the window 19 and to be held also in thisposition by a similar fastening.

When it is time to fold the device for transportation, the pegs arereleased from the ground, the awning flap 13 and ground sheet 12 arepushed inwardly onto the base wall panel 1 and the ground sheet panel 9is folded upwards and backwards through 180° so that it overlies thebase wall panel 1. The side and top wall panels are then folded downsideways so that one side wall panel 2 is coplanar with the base wallpanel 1 and underlies the top wall panel 3, with the other side wallpanel 2 overlying the base wall panel 1. The top wall panel 3 and firstside wall panel 2 are then folded upwards and sideways through 180° sothat all five twist-fold panels then overlie the base wall panel 1. Inspite of the fact that the top wall panel 3 and ground sheet panel 11are of slightly different size and shape from the other three panels,the whole device can then be twist-folded so that the wire loops in allthe twist-fold panels fall into three loops all overlying one another.In fact the illustrated device with the dimensions shown in FIG. 5 canbe twist-folded into a generally circular package, as shown in FIG. 6,having a diameter of the order of 45 cms. This can readily be insertedinto a bag, whereupon the device, weighing a total of about 1.9 kg canbe easily carried. In order subsequently to re-erect the device, it isonly necessary to displace the overlapping wire loops slightly fromtheir twist-folded configuration, for all the panels to spring to anopen position. The ground sheet panel 9 can then be unfolded, and thepegs deployed, to enable the device to be erected in a matter ofseconds.

In a variation, which is not illustrated, one or both of the awning 13and additional ground sheet 12 may be formed as a twist-fold panel, inwhich case the awning panel and/or ground sheet panel would be swungupwards and inwards through 180°, respectively, over the top wall panel3 and base wall panel 1, prior to twist-folding the device fortransport.

FIG. 7 shows a modification in which the base, side and top wall panelsare the same as in the first illustrated example. There are twodifferences. First, instead of the ground sheet 12 and extension flap13, the device is provided with a rear wall panel 22, which is sewn tothe rear edges of the side and top wall panels 2, 3, leaving ventilationwindow openings 23 and 24 at the back of the device.

The second difference is that instead of the twist-fold ground sheet 9,a simple waterproof sheet 25 is connected at one edge to the front edgeof the base wall panel 1, and arranged to be held deployed taut byground pegs and perforated tabs 26 at its front corners if necessary inwindy conditions.

A third example, for use as a fisherman's shelter in good or bad weatherdiffers from the second example of FIG. 7 in that the window openings 23and 24 are replaced, e.g. by a single central window opening which maybe closed by a flap with releasable fastenings. Also, in order toprovide a larger front opening the dimensions of the twist-fold panelsare as shown in FIG. 8, instead of as shown in FIG. 5.

The fourth example, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, differs essentiallyfrom the previous examples in that the base wall panel is formed by twotwist-fold panels 27, each with the generally trapezoidal shape and withthe dimensions, shown in FIG. 10. The two panels 27 are hinged togetherat the wider ones of their parallel sides. Twist-fold side wall panels28 of similar size and shape to the panels 27, are hinged to respectiveones of the panels 27 along the respective narrower ones of theirparallel sides of the trapezium. A top wall panel 29 is connected to theupper edges of the side wall panels but is not itself a twist-foldpanel. The base wall panel is held by ground pegs 30 and as with theearlier examples, the side wall panels are held erect by guy lines 31and pegs 32.

When it is desired to fold this device, with the pegs released, the sidewall panels 28 are folded down onto respective ones of the panels 27, asshown by the arrows. As this happens the top wall panel 29 collapsesbetween the other panels. One of the panels 27 and the overlying panel28 is then folded through 180° so as to overlie the other panels 27 and28, whereupon all four panels can be twist-folded into a smallerconfiguration similar to that shown in FIG. 6.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sunshade device transformable from a foldedorientation into an unfolded, fully erected orientation supported on asurface, the sunshade device comprising: a base panel having oppositefirst edges and supported on a surface when the sunshade device is inthe erected orientation; a pair of side wall panels each having a firstedge respectively connected to one of the first edges of the base panelalong a connecting line disposed generally horizontal to the surfacewhen the sunshade device is in the erected orientation, the side wallpanels extending generally upright and being disposed in spaced-apartrelation from each other when the sunshade device is in the erectedorientation; and a top panel having opposite edges respectivelyconnected with second edges of the side wall panels opposite the firstedges thereof for limiting a separation distance of the second edges ofthe side wall panels; wherein when the sunshade device is in the erectedorientation, the base panel, the side wall panels and the top paneldefine a front end and a rear end of the sunshade device with at leastthe front end being open; and wherein at least the base panel and theside wall panels comprise twist-fold panels of sufficiently similar sizeand shape such that when folded down over one another about theconnecting lines they can be twisted and folded to transform thesunshade device from the unfolded, fully erected orientation into thefolded orientation.
 2. A sunshade device according to claim 1; furthercomprising sheet panel integrally connected to the base panel andarranged to be deployed on the surface forwardly of the front end of thesunshade device when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation.3. A sunshade device according to claim 2; wherein the top panelcomprises a twist-fold panel of sufficiently similar size and shape asthe base panel and the side wall panels such that when folded down overone another they can be twisted and folded to transform the sunshadedevice from the unfolded, fully erected orientation into the foldedorientation.
 4. A sunshade device according to claim 2; wherein the basepanel comprises two twist-fold panels connected together one in front ofthe other, the forward one of the two twist-fold panels defining thesheet panel.
 5. A sunshade device according to claim 2; wherein the basepanel comprises two or more twist-fold panels connected together side byside between the side wall panels.
 6. A sunshade device according toclaim 3; wherein each of the twist-fold panels comprises a peripheralseam containing resilient wire.
 7. A sunshade device according to claim6; wherein the resilient wire of the twist-fold panels defined by theside wall panels has a higher strength than the resilient wire of thetwist-fold panel defined by the base panel.
 8. A sunshade deviceaccording to claim 3; wherein the bass panel comprises two twist-foldpanels connected together one in front of the other, the forward one ofthe two twist-fold panels defining the sheet panel.
 9. A sunshade deviceaccording to claim 8; wherein the forwardly projecting peak is formed inone piece with the top panel.
 10. A sunshade device according to claim9; wherein the forwardly projecting peak has a front, convexly curvedperipheral edge portion.
 11. A sunshade device according to claim 3;wherein an end of the top panel at the front end of the sunshade devicehas a forwardly projecting peak.
 12. A sunshade device according toclaim 1; wherein the base panel comprises two or more twist-fold panelsconnected together side by side between the side wall panels.
 13. Asunshade device according to claim 1; wherein the top panel, the sideswall panel and the base panel define an interior space when the sunshadedevice is in the erected orientation; and wherein the base panel and theside wall panels are generally trapezoidal in shape such that when thesunshade device is in the erected orientation the interior space of thesunshade device increases in height and width from the rear end to thefront end thereof.
 14. A sunshade device according to claim 1; furthercomprising at least one guy line connected to an upper portion of eachof the side wall panels when the sunshade device is in the erectorientation for supporting the side wall panels substantially upright.15. A sunshade device according to claim 1; further comprising at leastone guy line connected to a central portion of each of the side wallpanels when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation forsupporting the side wall panels substantially upright.
 16. A sunshadedevice according to claim 1; wherein a portion of at least one of theside wall panels is perforated.
 17. A sunshade device according to claim16; wherein the at least one side wall panel has a substantiallyimperforate screen which is deployable over the perforated portion ofthe at least one side wall panel.
 18. A sunshade device according toclaim 1; further comprising a pelmet projecting downwardly from an endof the top panel at the front end of the sunshade device.
 19. A sunshadedevice according to claim 1; wherein an end of the top panel at thefront end of the sunshade device has a forwardly projecting peak.
 20. Asunshade device according to claim 19; wherein the forwardly projectingpeak has a convexly curved peripheral edge portion.
 21. A sunshadedevice according to claim 1; further comprising means definingventilation openings at the rear end of the sunshade device when thesunshade device in in the erected orientation.
 22. A sunshade deviceaccording to claim 21; wherein at least one of the ventilation openingsopens down to a position substantially level with the base panel.
 23. Asunshade device according to claim 22; further comprising an awningextending rearwardly and downwardly from an end or the top panel at therear end or the sunshade device when the sunshade device is in theerected orientation.
 24. A sunshade device according to claim 23;wherein a width of the awning increases in the rearward direction.
 25. Asunshade device according to claim 23; wherein a width of the awningincreases in the rearward direction.
 26. A sunshade device according toclaim 21; further comprising an awning extending rearwardly anddownwardly from an end of the top panel at the rear end of the sunshadedevice when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation.
 27. Asunshade device according to claim 26; wherein a width of the awningincreases in the rearward direction.
 28. A sunshade device according toclaim 21; wherein the means defining ventilation openings comprises arear panel connected to the side wall panels and the top panel.
 29. Asunshade device according to claim 1; wherein each of the twist-foldpanels comprises a peripheral seam containing resilient wire.
 30. Asunshade device according to claim 29; wherein the top panel comprises atwist-fold panel of sufficiently similar size and shape as the basepanel and the side wall panels such that when folded down over oneanother they can be twisted and folded to transform the sunshade devicefrom the unfolded, fully erected orientation into the foldedorientation.
 31. A sunshade device according to claim 30; wherein theresilient wire of the twist-fold panels defined by the side wall panelshas a higher strength than the resilient wire of the twist-fold paneldefined by the top panel.
 32. A sunshade device according to claim 30;wherein the resilient wires of the twist-fold panels defined by the sidewall panels have a higher strength than the resilient wire of thetwist-fold panel defined by the top panel.
 33. A sunshade deviceaccording to claim 32; wherein the base panel comprises two twist-foldpanels connected together one in front of the other, the forward one ofthe two twist-fold panels defining the sheet panel.
 34. A sunshadedevice according to claim 1; further comprising an awning extendingrearwardly and downwardly from an end of the top panel at the rear endof the sunshade device when the sunshade device is in the erectedorientation.
 35. A sunshade device transformable from a foldedorientation into an unfolded, fully erected orientation, the sunshadedevice comprising: a base panel having opposite first edges; a pair ofside wall panels each having a first edge respectively connected to oneof the first edges of the base panel, the side wall panels extendinggenerally upright and being disposed in spaced-apart relation from eachother when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation; a toppanel having opposite edges respectively connected with second edges ofthe side wall panels opposite the first edges thereof for limiting aseparation distance of the second edges of the side wall panels when thesunshade device is in the erected orientation; and at least one guy lineconnected to each of the side wall panels when the sunshade device is inthe erected orientation for supporting the side wall panelssubstantially upright; wherein at least the base panel and the side wallpanels comprise twist-fold panels of sufficiently similar size and shapesuch that when folded down over one another they can be twisted andfolded to transform the sunshade device from the unfolded, fully erectedorientation into the folded orientation.
 36. A sunshade device accordingto claim 35; wherein when the sunshade device is in the erectedorientation, the base panel, the side wall panels and the top paneldefine a front end and a rear end of the sunshade device with at leastthe front end of the sunshade device being open.
 37. A sunshade deviceaccording to claim 35; further comprising a sheet panel integrallyconnected to the base panel and arranged to be deployed forwardly of thefront end of the sunshade device when the sunshade device in in theerected orientation.
 38. A sunshade device according to claim 37;wherein the base panel comprises two twist-fold panels connectedtogether one in front of the other, the forward one of the twotwist-fold panels defining the sheet panel.
 39. A sunshade deviceaccording to claim 35; wherein the top panel comprises a twist-foldpanel of sufficiently similar size and shape as the base panel and theside wall panels such that when folded down over one another they can betwisted and folded to transform the sunshade device from the unfolded,fully erected orientation into the folded orientation.
 40. A sunshadedevice according to claim 39; wherein each of the twist-fold panelscomprises a peripheral seam containing resilient wire.
 41. A sunshadedevice according to claim 40; wherein the resilient wires of thetwist-fold panels defined by the side wall panels have a higher strengththan the resilient wire of the twist-fold panel defined by the toppanel.
 42. A sunshade device according to claim 35; wherein the basepanel comprises two or more twist-fold panels connected together side byside between the side wall panels.
 43. A sunshade device according toclaim 35; wherein the top panel, the side wall panels and the base paneldefine an interior space when the sunshade device is in the erectedorientation; and wherein the base panel and the side wall panels aregenerally trapezoidal in shape such that when the sunshade device is inthe erected orientation the interior space of the sunshade deviceincreases in height and width from the rear end to the front endthereof.
 44. A sunshade device according to claim 35; wherein a portionof at least one of the side wall panels is perforated; and furthercomprising an imperforate screen connected to the at least one side wallpanel for deployment over the perforated portion thereof.
 45. A sunshadedevice according to claim 35; wherein when the sunshade device issupported on a surface in the erected orientation, the first edge ofeach of the side wall panels is connected to the respective first edgeof the base panel along a connecting line disposed generally horizontalto the surface.